Employees

At the end of 2021, the group’s workforce (which excludes non-executive directors) numbered 8,209 compared with 7,963 at the end of 2020. The increase over the year arose principally from the need to recruit additional field workers to catch up on the applications of organic compost and EFB, as extended periods of heavy rainfall led to a backlog.

The group endeavours to provide competitive remuneration packages, opportunities for career development and a decent standard of living on the estates for employees and their families in order to attract and retain staff at all levels. This is particularly important given the remote location of the group’s estates.

Male and female employees in the same role (such as, for example, harvesting, manuring, spraying, and positions in the office and workshop) receive the same salary.

Wherever possible the group seeks to employ local people and contractors in an effort to contribute to the local economy and create a stable workforce.

REA complies with all Indonesian labour regulations, which are based on the core standards of the International Labour Organisation.

Management

Overall responsibility for the group’s affairs resides with the group managing director, who is based in the UK. The president director of the group’s principal operating subsidiary, REA Kaltim, together with three fellow directors of REA Kaltim, all of whom are based in Indonesia, has local responsibility for the group’s operations in Indonesia, covering the estate operations, corporate affairs, ESG, commercial administration and finance.

As a foreign investor in Indonesia, the group is conscious that it is in essence a guest in Indonesia and an understanding of local customs and sensitivities is important. The group’s ability to rely on senior Indonesian staff to handle its local interface is therefore a significant asset upon which the group continues to build. This asset is augmented by the support and advice that the group obtains from local advisers and from the local non-controlling investors in, and local commissioners of, the group's Indonesian subsidiaries.

Read more about labour standards and health and safety within REA’s operations